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Homeless Army veteran who turned his life around thanks to Arc!

  • Chris 49 became homeless just over a year ago and found himself sleeping rough in Bridgwater, Somerset. After a couple of weeks of sleeping rough Chris was offered sheltered accommodation with Arc. His story not only demonstrates his own strength and resolve during austerity, but also proves that by integrating armed forces specialist roles within mainstream services help and support can be accessed. 

Honoring Dr. Horman: A Legacy of Compassion and Dedication

  • At Arc, we have always been fortunate to work alongside individuals whose passion and dedication truly transform lives. One such individual is Dr. Horman, a specialist GP in Health Inequalities, who has been an integral part of our mission for many years. Her tireless work has not only shaped the way we provide healthcare to our clients, but has also left a mark on the lives of countless individuals facing homelessness within the Somerset Community. 

Volunteer in Somerset- Your time, your way!

  • We’re delighted to announce that we have joined forces with charitable organisations across Somerset, on a journey to spark positive change and make a difference in our local community via the promotion of Volunteer – your time, your way!

Exciting Update: Our Nationwide Good Causes Grant Project is Complete!

  • Earlier this year, in February, we shared the fantastic news that we had been awarded a generous £10,000 Good Causes Grant from Nationwide. Thanks to their incredible support, we’ve brought our project to life—and we’re excited to share some snapshots of the completed work with you!

Beneath the Night Sky: An Informative Evening of Astronomy raised £5081.00 for Arc!

  • On Saturday, 16th November, the Somerset County Cricket Club was transformed into a cosmic experience for “Beneath the Night Sky,” an extraordinary fundraising event hosted by Sam & Rosie from Arc. This unique experience, inspired by our fundraising theme of “sleeping out under the stars,” brought the wonders of astronomy to life while raising vital funds for the local homeless community. 

Arc's new CEO

  • We are delighted to introduce our new CEO Paul Richards and look forward to welcoming him next week.

Could you help support a client with a Welcome pack?

  • When clients arrive at Arc they often have nothing except the clothes they are wearing, and have lost many if not all of their material possessions. 

New Targeted Housing Support Workers are helping others make positive change!

  •  At the beginning of May, we welcomed two new members to the Arc team in recently developed roles as Targeted Housing Support Workers. 
     

Nationwide Grant Transforms Lives with Two New Kitchens

  • At the end of February, we were delighted to have been awarded a £10,000 Good Causes Grant from Nationwide.
     

Volunteer Appreciation & A Warm Welcome to Our New Coordinator!

  • From Monday 3rd to Sunday 9th June, we marked National Volunteers’ Week here at Arc. We celebrated the amazing contribution our volunteers make to the running of our organisation, by providing all the extra important services that help our clients in so many ways.

Colin makes a fresh new start with his companion Rocky

  • At the age of 73, pensioner Colin found himself sleeping in his car with his puppy of 11 weeks old, after separating from his wife and having to leave his home of 21 years.
     

10th Year Anniversary Sleep Out Success!

  • On Saturday 15th June, 50 people took on the challenge of setting up camp in our car park at the Crescent, to help raise valuable funds for the local homeless community.
     

New Partnership Project for Armed Forces Community

  • We’re thrilled to have partnered with NHS Somerset and Ark at Egwood to expand the service and support we offer to the armed forces community.

Happy Pets in our Hostel due to StreetVet and Pets at Home Support!

  • We are very excited to be working with StreetVet again for the 3rd year running, under their Hostel Accreditation Scheme.

Our Outreach Team celebrates their first-year anniversary!

  • Amy and Rich from our Outreach Team based in Sedgemoor, are celebrating a successful first year in their roles.
     

Together we are changing Lives for the better!

  • Thanks to the kindness and generosity of our supporters, local businesses, and charities, our clients have been enjoying a variety of recreational activities aimed at enhancing their health and wellbeing. 

Taunton's BIG Sleep Out is back!

  • Could you take part in the challenge?
    This will be the 10th BIG Sleep Out event in Taunton and we are looking to make this one the best one yet!

"All with the help of Arc..."

  • Steve's story

Would you like to help make Christmas a little brighter for someone experiencing homelessness?

  • Christmas can be tricky for those experiencing homelessness. Not only have they lost their home, but they may no longer be in contact with their family and friends, be struggling with their mental health, trying to overcome addiction, or dealing with a physical health problem.

Partnership working making a positive impact!

  • In 2022, we launched our very own well-being hub, based at ‘The Reach Centre’ at the back of our hostel, Lindley House

GWR gets clients on the right track!

  • Huge thank you to Great Western Railway (GWR) for their incredible £5000 grant. 

Supporting Rough Sleepers in Sedgemoor

  • We would like to introduce Amy Bridges & Richard Hole who joined our team here at ARC in April and are already making a positive impact on the streets of Bridgwater & Burnham-on-sea.  

Homeless Link Excellence Awards

  • Crescent Cleaning Services making a BIG impact! 

SLEEP OUT SUCCESS

  • BIG Sleep Out 2023 you were AWESOME! 

Watch Our Team Grow!

  • We are thrilled to see our social enterprise growing from strength to strength! 

Rhys Story

  • Now I walk around and my head’s up high, I’m smiling! 

The Big Sleep Out Returns to Taunton!

  • Could you spend just one night sleeping outside and make a difference to the lives of those experiencing homelessness locally?

StreetVet Re-accreditation through Pets at Home Funding!

  • "Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole..."

Our 2022 Christmas!

  • We were so pleased to offer lots of festivities for our clients ro help them celebrate Christmas 2022!

Rent in Advance

  • "What Arc and supporters of Arc are doing is really important and you’ve made my life"

Christmas at Arc!

  • We make sure that no one misses out at Christmas!

Mark's Story

  • "It was a lovely place to live, and I’d happily go back if I became homeless again"

Arc's Volunteer Counsellors

  • We are currently welcoming our newest volunteer counsellors who will be starting with us in the coming weeks, and we wanted to showcase the impact this vital service has for our clients.

Chris’ Story

  • "There’s actually someone behind that homeless guy."

'Unseen' - Arc's Art Exhibition

  • Showcasing the hidden talents of those experiencing homelessness 

Bruno's 'tail'

  • Even though our StreetVet accreditation began only a few months ago, the project has already had a big impact.

The Joy of Creativity

  • Just £6 can bring the joy of creativity to someone experiencing homelessness. A small gift for an investment into their future. Could you make that difference? 

Big Sleep Out 2022!

  • We did it!

We are looking for local people to join our Board

  • Are you passionate about making a difference to homeless people? Are you able to volunteer your time and support to help us deliver our vision? We're looking for local people to join our board. Could this be you?

Learning and Development - Meet Mary

  • We would like to introduce Mary, Arc's new Learning and Development Officer. Mary's role is to engage with our clients to help them realise, grow, and be inspired by their own strengths through a range of activities and training. We asked Mary a few questions so you can get to know more about her. 

"I’m normally the type who doesn’t speak about what I’m going through and tries to face it alone. It’s been nice to have someone to speak to"

  • Arc client, Trixie, kindly offered to tell us her story with homelessness. 

Farewell Justin!

  • Arc says farewell to Justin, Arc's CEO of 8 years

Save the Date - Arc's Big Sleep Out 2022!

Move In Fund

  • Our Move In Fund assists those who are moving on to their own independent accommodation by helping to provide everyday essentials such as washing machines, fridges, cookers, and carpets. We have seen that this not only essential for getting settled in a new home, but also helps our clients to sustain their new tenancy and independence. 

Outreach

  • As the cold weather sets in, there is an increasing concern for those rough sleeping. However, outreach is here to help, and we wanted to explain how we support the local street homeless community.  

Keith's Story

  • Keith was the first client to benefit from Arc's service 'Victory House' and has since moved on into his own home. Here he tells us about his story.

Arc's 2021 Homeless Shoebox and Hamper Appeal!

  • We are getting ready to launch our annual shoebox appeal for 2021! 

Volunteer Buddies

  • "You've got a friend in me!"

Arc return to community events, and they need YOUR help!

  • We are so excited to be back at community events, spreading the word about Arc.

Social Enterprise Launch – 1st October 2021!

  • We are very excited to be nearly ready to launch our very own social enterprise – Crescent Cleaning Services!  

"Arc saved my life" - Ellie's story

  • We were lucky enough to catch up with Ellie, a former client of ours who battled with homelessness and domestic abuse at the young age of 16. Many of us at Arc remember Ellie well and we’re thrilled to hear she’s doing so well and has come back to visit us 4 years later to share her story! 

2021's Virtual Big Sleep Out

  • Arc’s seventh annual Big Sleep Out took place on Friday 11th June, and wow what a night! It was another virtual event, with participants sleeping out in the ‘comfort’ of their own gardens, sheds, and even hallways, to raise awareness and funds for those experiencing homelessness in Arc’s care.  

Arc's New Properties

  • The purchase of two new properties in Bridgwater means that we can provide shelter and a safe space to even more people who have become homeless.

PAWS-ome!

  • Our PAWS project helps those experiencing homelessness who have pets to think about too.

Arc wins Charity of the Year 2021 at the Somerset Business Awards!

  • At Arc, we are over the moon to have been chosen as the Charity of the Year at the Somerset Business Awards 2021!

Move-In Fund

  • We strive to make our client's journey into independent accommodation as simple as possible, and are pleased to now be able to assist with things we take for granted, such as washing machines, cookers, and fridge-freezers.

"I’m hoping to grow even more with Arc and do amazing things to help others!” - Anna's Story

  • “My name is Anna, and I became homeless around 12 years ago."

Tom's Story – Christmas special

  • It’s been nearly two months now since I started living on my own.

Arc’s GP Surgery Launch for local homeless community

  • Arc are pleased to announce a new local provision, enabling homeless individuals and rough sleepers to access health care.
     

Tom’s Story – Part 3

  • Last month, part two of Tom’s story discussed his progress and transition into independent living at our Satellite accommodation. Read on for the conclusion…

Crescent Cleaning Services

  • Arc is excited to announce the beginnings of our own social enterprise: Crescent Cleaning Services.

Great British September Clean

  • We took part in the Great British September Clean today, doing a litter pick around Lindley House.

Steve’s cycle ride for the homeless

  • Bridgwater resident and valued Arc volunteer Steve Atkinson is gearing up to cycle around 300 miles back to his home city in York this week to raise £1,000 for Arc and York-based charity Kitchen for Everyone.

New windows for Grade II listed building Lindley House

  • If you’re local to Taunton, then you may have noticed scaffolding outside our Lindley House property. This is because Arc are preparing to replace 34 of the Georgian style single glazed sash windows throughout the house.

Tom’s Story – Part 2

  • Last month we showed you a first-hand insight into the life of one of our clients, Tom, and his journey with us here at Arc, here is part 2. 

Arc expands its property portfolio

  • It’s all going on here at Arc! We’re pleased to announce that we have recently expanded our property portfolio by working alongside Sedgemoor District Council to purchase two houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) in Bridgwater.

Arc contributes to bid for government homelessness funding

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Tom’s Story – Part 1

  • Over the next 3 months, we’ll be providing first-hand insight into the life of one of our clients, Tom, and his journey with us here at Arc. Keep your eyes peeled for part 2 coming next month!

Arc's Virtual Sleep Out

  • On Friday 19th June, we held our first ever virtual sleep out!

Arc’s journey through Covid-19 and outlooks for the future

  • Entering into the fourth month of lockdown, since the UK Covid-19 Crisis began to impact the country, Taunton based homeless charity ‘Arc’ has been reflecting on how their services adapted to prioritise the safety of the local homeless population and what the future holds for local homeless service provision.

Volunteers' Week 2020

  • A message from Justin Roxburgh, our CEO.

Volunteers' Week 2020

  • Thanks to all our amazing volunteers!

Volunteers' Week 2020

  • Meet our new volunteer, Mel

Volunteers' Week 2020

  • Meet Steve, an experienced volunteer

Volunteers' Week 2020

  • Meet Pauline, one of our food collection volunteers.

Volunteers' Week 2020

  • Meet our volunteer, Laura, who cooks breakfast with our hostel clients.

Our Covid-19 Response

  • With the current circumstances and official guidance, we have put precautions and additional services in place to keep our clients safe.

Covid-19 Update

  • Please see our update on our current situation following latest guidence on Covid-19. 

Victory House Lift Launch

  • We are delighted to announce a new addition to our services provided at our veteran’s accommodation project, ‘Victory House’.

Somerset Business Award Finalist!

  • Arc are thrilled to a finalist of 2019's Somerset Business Awards!

2019's sleep out success!

  • On Friday 14th June, 74 people joined us for a night under the stars! We were so thrilled that those 74 people were willing to give their beds up for the night and sleep in a car park, all in aid of helping the homeless!

Baxters Horse Sanctuary

  • We're so excited to be working with Baxters Rescue, offering horse and pony therapy for our clients.

Harvest Festival

  • A big thank you to everyone who donated fantastic Harvest Festival donations this year! 

Awards Ceremony

  • We were so thrilled to join together in October to celebrate the successes of our clients through the Arc Academy!

Big Sleep Out Success!

  • We were delighted with the result of this year's Big Sleep Out, bring on the next one!

Victory House Launch

  • We are absolutely delighted to announce the launch of our new veteran’s service, ‘Victory House’! 

Beneath the Night Sky – An Astronomy experience under the stars!

  • Here at Arc, we are thrilled to announce our new and exciting fundraiser happening on Saturday the 16th of November at Somerset County Cricket Club.
     

Plans for new Veterans' Service

  • We are very excited to be introducing a Veterans specific project to its services. We will be converting one of our currently owned properties from an office space into accommodation for 8 homeless veterans.

Client Stories

This section is currently in development.
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Registered as a Community Benefit Society No. 23680R.  Arc is the trading name for Taunton Association for the Homeless.